Acoustical absorber array

Abstract

A plurality of acoustical absorption elements are mounted in a two-dimensional spaced array on an acoustically reflective surface of an machinery enclosure, in such a manner as to expose portions of the reflective surface between neighboring elements. The elements are preferably of a substantially standard size and shape in order to enhance production and inventory efficiency, although materials of various thickness may be provided to accommodate tuning for specific frequencies to be absorbed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for attenuating sound reverberations within a machinery enclosure, the enclosure having acoustically reflective surfaces, the system comprising: a plurality of elements composed of acoustic absorbent material mounted within the enclosure in a two-dimensional spaced array on at least one of said reflective surfaces, wherein portions of the reflective surface are exposed between neighboring elements.   
     
     
       2. The system of claim 1, wherein the total exposed surface area of said plurality of absorbent elements mounted to a said reflective surface is greater than the area of said surface. 
     
     
       3. The system of claim 1, further comprising structure for removable attachment of each of said plurality of elements to the enclosure surface in order to permit cleaning and replacement of the elements. 
     
     
       4. The system of claim 3, wherein said reflective surface is a metal panel and said structure for removable attachment comprises magnetic material. 
     
     
       5. The system of claim 3, wherein and said structure for removable attachment comprises a hook and loop arrangement. 
     
     
       6. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of said plurality of elements is formed to attach to the reflective surface of the enclosure in a manner to present a major surface opposite the mounting face of the element at an angle oblique to the reflective surface. 
     
     
       7. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of elements are of substantially similar size and shape. 
     
     
       8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of elements are of a different thickness than others of said elements in order to accommodate variation in the principle range of frequencies to be absorbed. 
     
     
       9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of elements are of a different size than others of said elements in order to accommodate variation in the principle range of frequencies to be absorbed. 
     
     
       10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements are at least one of elliptical and rectangular in shape. 
     
     
       11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements have a constant thickness of about one to two inches. 
     
     
       12. The system of claim 1, wherein a major dimension of each element is at least six inches, and the inter element spacing does not exceed one third of the major dimension. 
     
     
       13. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of elements are formed of fiberglass batting. 
     
     
       14. A system for attenuating sound reverberations within a machinery enclosure, the enclosure having acoustically reflective surfaces, the system comprising: a plurality of acoustical absorption elements composed of acoustical absorbent material mounted within the enclosure in a two-dimensional spaced array on at least one of said reflective surfaces, wherein portions of the reflective surface are exposed between neighboring elements; and   structure for removable attachment of each of said plurality of elements to the enclosure surface in order to permit cleaning and replacement of the elements.   
     
     
       15. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of said plurality of elements is formed to attach to the reflective surface of the enclosure in a manner to present a major surface opposite the mounting face of the element at an angle oblique to the reflective surface. 
     
     
       16. A system for attenuating sound reverberations within a machinery enclosure, the enclosure having acoustically reflective surfaces, the system comprising: A plurality of elements consisting of acoustical absorbent material mounted within the enclosure in a two-dimensional spaced array on at least one of said reflective surfaces and, wherein a major face of the material opposite the face mounted to said surface is exposed to sound energy generated by machinery within the enclosure to provide viscous damping thereof.   
     
     
       17. The system of claim 16, wherein a major dimension of each element is at least six inches, and the inter element spacing does not exceed one third of the major dimension. 
     
     
       18. The system of claim 16, wherein at least some of the plurality of elements are of a different thickness than others of said elements in order to accommodate variation in the principle range of frequencies to be absorbed. 
     
     
       19. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of said plurality of elements is formed to attach to the reflective surface of the enclosure in a manner to present a major surface opposite the mounting face of the element at an angle oblique to the reflective surface. 
     
     
       20. The system of claim 1, wherein each element has a major surface which includes a major dimension of the element, and an edge surface which includes a minor dimension of the element, said surfaces being exposed directly to sound waves produced within the machinery enclosure.